I’m so excited for this weekend you guys! It’s Shane’s first long weekend of the summer and he’s booked his vacation around it to make it a bit longer. Today he has the day off and has taken the kids to surprise his Dad at work with a coffee and visit. I’m taking the opportunity to catch up on bloggy stuff and shower. Because showering is important and with babies keeping me on my toes- washing my hair is often the thing that gets skipped. Needless to say- I’m excited for this quiet morning at home.
Earlier this week I had a few friends over for a little pancake party to test out some local butters, jams, jellies, syrups, and honeys that I picked up and received as gifts over Christmas. I’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to crack them out- and while couch-surfing at my Dad’s didn’t seem like the right time. But now… perfect. Before I show you all the lovely pictures- can I say how amazing my friends are? I’d love to say that they showed up to a pretty set table with piping hot pancakes on the grill, but really they showed up to me wrangling a screaming poopy baby while holding the other one back with my foot to try change a diaper. They jumped right into the *crappy* situation (I make myself laugh, seriously) entertaining my kids, mixing up pancake batter and cooking bacon while we sipped coffee and chatted and laughed. The best, right? Anyways. Given that this all happened after they arrived, I can assure you this is the easiest party to host- ever.
We made up itty bitty pancakes so we could try a new topping with each one- my favourites were the cinnamon honey (the best thing I’ve ever tasted, I’m sure) and the maplapple syrup. Of course we had real maple syrup as well- we are Canadians after all.
So let’s talk about what you need to make a party happen shall we? Spoiler alert: it’s cheap and easy. Grab yourself a table cloth (this denim looking one is Ikea, I think it cost $17 and it’s my new go-to) and a centerpiece. This vase/thing was from Michaels on clearance with a coupon (I never buy anything there without a coupon), but use whatever you have. And the lavender is dried- I bought a few bunches of it a while back and it’s my centerpiece in a pinch because it’s as lovely as fresh flowers, but will never wilt. If you can invest in one bunch of lavender- it will last you for every party this year (and probably next). My bunches were 2 for $5 and the centerpiece only used one. Lavender (if you buy plain ol’ dried lavender) is edible too- I tried some with powdered sugar and butter on one of mine and it was heavenly.
The paper doilies are available en masse from any dollar store and the kraft name cards are actually packing labels cut down (also from the dollar store). I used a gold paint pen to write the names to dress up the kraft paper. Using a bloom from your centerpiece on each place setting dresses up the simplest place setting.
The fun part is heading to the farmers market or local jammery and picking out the tastiest looking samplers. Or save a buck and ask guests to bring their favourite– you’ll get to try something new you might never have thought of! Last but not least, I made the napkins and ‘Good Morning Sunshine’ wall hanging. I’m going to be sharing how to make those on Monday- but all of them cost less than $3.
Oh, bonus points for local coffee- we used RedBeard (YUM!). And if you noticed my pinterest fail of a mustache mug- the sharpie mugs don’t stand up all that well to washing (even careful hand washing). Just sayin’.
I had so much fun hosting this little get-together. It made my Tuesday morning so much more enjoyable than the usual. My kiddos probably would agree- they got to eat cheerios at the table and watch baby Henley coo (Aubrey thinks he’s the best). Do you have any local honey or jams around? Is this something you would consider hosting? I’d love to hear from you!
PS. My friend Megan has opened up her own Etsy shop this week! I’m so happy for her- if you want to make me smile, would you head over and check out Arroway Creative Design? Thanks, you’re the best :) (My favourite is the bicycle print)
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I love how elegant your simple place settings look! How fun! This weekend I’m having a garage sale to get rid of my college dishes so I can make room for dishes I got as wedding gifts and so I can start my own collections. Maybe someday I’ll be able to have a mature looking table setting. I guess I should also work on getting a table…
Thanks Kala! We finally got rid of my old black and white dishes when we moved. We traded up to these Ikea gems and I couldn’t be happier. And on setting a table… we actually googled which side the knife went on before we took the pictures. #noshame
Oh my gosh, the shot of the pancakes with the lavender sprig is so beautiful! Great post!
Aw thanks so much Nicole! This is one of my favourite parties yet- thanks for the encouragement :)
What a divine post and I love your pancake party idea. It looks like you had a wonderful time. Hope you enjoyed the quiet time and had a nice relaxing shower too!
If you have a moment to spare I’d be so thrilled if you could share your post at my weekly Say G’Day Saturday linky. This would be such a fabulous addition!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Thanks so much for stopping by Natasha! The shower was amazing ;)
I’ll be sure to check out your party- thanks for the invite!
Your food photography is amazing! pancakes-yumm!
Thanks so much Jana! I’ve been working on it- food is definitely the thing I have the hardest time photographing so you’ve made my day :)
Mmm, looks so good!! I would definitely host a pancake party. Our go to hosting meal is waffles, as we have them every Sunday and it is so easy to throw in some extra batter. Love cinamon honey!! The denim and lavender look wonderful together.
We love waffles too- Shane’s become quite the waffle master. And thank you for that cinnamon honey- seriously the best thing :)
pancake party? how fun is this? i’m definitely going to try something similar- maybe sub waffles – when it’s too cold to be bbqing out side. such a gorgeous arrangement. have you thought about doing a party idea book?
I wouldn’t say no to a waffle party either! I’ve never thought of that… I’m going to write that down for future dreaming :)
Such a cute design. Love it. Thanks for linking up at Share it Sunday
Thanks so much Denise- appreciate you stopping by :)
This looks like so much fun! What a great idea.
xoxo,
Victoria
Thanks so much Victoria! We had a great time :)
A mini pancake party?! I’m absolutely in love with this idea and your photos are marvelous. I’m so happy I just stumbled across this blog today. I can’t wait to explore it.
-Kaitlyn :)
Thanks so much Kaitlyn! I’m so happy to have you here
I love the idea of a pancake party! So many delicious toppings to try!
And the options are endless! I didn’t even get to try the ones we had out… but you could have fruit and nuts and flavoured whip creams… decadent.
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity on The Inspiration Board at homework. I so appreciate it!
You were featured in the spotlight!
Have a wonderful weekend!
carolyn ~ homework
Aw, thanks so much Carolyn! I’m happy it inspired you!
Beautiful Party! I love those little pancakes. They look delicious! Thanks for linking up at Make Bake Create!
Thanks Rachel! I appreciate you taking the time to make a comment :)